Chewing is a completely natural behavior for dogs, especially for puppies. Whether they’re teething or simply exploring their environment, puppies often use their mouths to interact with the world. Add to that their instincts as opportunistic scavengers, and it’s no surprise that a young pup may try to chew on just about everything in your home!

If you're wondering how to stop a puppy from chewing everything, the key lies in smart management and consistent puppy chewing training.

Puppy Chewing Training Starts with Management

Like many behaviors we don’t want to encourage, managing your puppy’s environment during the early training phase is crucial. One of the first steps? Puppy-proof your home.

This means removing or restricting access to valuable or dangerous items that are tempting for curious pups. Cords, shoes, remote controls, and furniture edges, if they’re within reach, assume your puppy will find them interesting.

Need a little extra help with your dog’s chewing? No problem. We’re here to help. Book a complimentary call with one of our dog experts 

Toys, Textures, and Treats: Chewing Done Right

Make sure your puppy has access to a variety of chew toys in different sizes and textures. Some should be food-related, like stuffed toys or treat-dispensing chews, to keep them engaged and stimulated.

Rotate the toys regularly to keep them novel and exciting. Boredom is one of the biggest reasons puppies go rogue with their chewing habits, so daily chewing activities are a must.

Avoid Grabbing – Always Trade Up

If your puppy grabs something they shouldn’t have, never reach in and snatch it away. This can lead to resource guarding, a behavior where dogs become protective or aggressive over their possessions.

Instead, offer a trade, use a high-value treat, toy, or chewie that your puppy can’t resist. This not only encourages positive behavior but also builds trust between you and your dog.

Conclusion:

Understanding your pup’s need to chew and channeling it correctly is the foundation of effective puppy chewing training. With consistent guidance, the right tools, and smart management, you'll quickly learn how to stop your puppy from chewing everything and help them grow into a well-behaved companion. 

Author bio:

Written by The Homeschool Dog Expert Team

Our team of certified trainers and behaviorists brings over 50 years of combined experience, and every expert is personally vetted, Fear Free certified, and deeply committed to helping dogs (and their people) thrive at home. Need help with your pup? Talk to a dog expert today